Assistant Production Leader

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Production Leader

Job Location: Rochester, Kent -Working Onsite

Salary: £39,500

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow – shaping a safer future, for all of us.

Role Description:

Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager or Operations Manager, the Assistant Production Leader (APL) will lead a small IMT (Integrated Manufacturing Team) and be responsible for the manufacturing element of a specific project in either the Production or Support phase; ensuring items are manufactured and/or repaired to the agreed Operations Plan.

Core Duties:

• On-Time Delivery (OTD) of units to the Op Plan
• Cost Management of both Touch and Support labour
• Driving Quality into the Product
• Leading a small team
• Managing improvement activities
• Interfacing with all other functions at many different levels

Essential Skills:

• Experience in a Manufacturing environment
• Ability to build and maintain relationships
• Communication, problem solving, organisation, prioritisation and IT skills
• Tactful and able to deal with sensitive information
• ONC/OND/BTEC Level 2 in an Engineering Discipline
• Previous Leadership experience
• Manufacturing technical knowledge

The Integrated Manufacturing team:

Reporting to the Manufacturing Manager or Operations Manager, the Assistant Production Leader (APL) will lead a small IMT (Integrated Manufacturing Team) and be responsible for the manufacturing element of a specific project in either the Production or Support phase; ensuring items are manufactured and/or repaired to the agreed Operations Plan.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work – this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family – support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 9th June 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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